The espionage mission and its high risk proved a resounding success. With the information retrieved, a portfolio and counter doctrine were being pieced together for handling Gloriana's new advancements and tactics. As new training and contingency trials were underway, the usual grind of high school life held a firm grip on the students from the lowest ranking Cadet, all the way up to Kaiser and Virtanen.

The first notable use of this information was in propaganda. Anna and her team, with their connections in gossip and media, shared their anonymous article on their gossip blog. The intent was to build confidence amongst the students and bolster their faith. It was by no means wavering as they were in the finals after all, but ever cautious it was deemed worthwhile.

The front page picture however was donated by Knight. The picture was of a Mathilda tank trapped atop a pile of rubble and its crew shouting at the driver from the outside. A personal image of his blunder before his transfer. Thankfully neither his face nor any others was shown and provided deniability. However, around those who knew, namely his peers and most of all O'Diveley who repeatedly brought it up, he would simply mutter that "those viewports are so hard to see out of. That's why I don't give the drivers a hard time."

O'Dively's 'prank' was omitted along with the extra special info as a precaution. Gloriana already knew someone had been aboard and it was obvious who, but with as little evidence as possible, they could only stew under their assumptions as they were forced to accept their failure in security.

Yet, despite the successful vengeance and applied pressure on Gloriana, Mounting stress was being applied from outside sources on Transcendence as well.

Virtanen found himself with an ominous summoning. Called upon by the visiting board of directors for Senshado, he sat in an isolated room on campus with one teacher, one representative in person, and three screens representing other majority shareholders. These four, with the supervision of a school official, were said to be representing the federation as a whole at the day's meeting.

What for? It was announced the moment Virtanen sat down and his blue eyes quivered from anxiety.

"This meeting is in regards to the direction of Transcendence Academy's Senshado and of course, the one directing it, you young man" spoke a wrinkled old man from one screen.

Virtanen felt obligated to visibly gulp but suppressed the feeling as a woman on another screen spoke up. "We've been monitoring your school's success and must say, we are thoroughly impressed. You have not only kickstarted renewed interest in our sport but also stoked competitiveness amongst smaller schools resigned to losing to larger names."

The representative in person nodded. Viewership, merchandise, and applications. We are seeing small and steady rises. Not solely to you but certainly in no small part either."

Finally, the fourth man spoke. Slightly younger than the rest yet no less wise and cynical. Along with our close watch on your school, we have kept a thorough review of your performance this year. Frankly, we find this unsatisfactory."

Virtanen's heart sunk as he maintained eye contact. Unrelenting, the man pressed on. "As you know, Transcendence Academy is in its experimental phase and will be for another two years, well after you graduate. Therefore, as large contributors and those who instated your position, we hold the right to dictate staff assignment, requirement, and termination."

Virtanen's hands clasped his trousers with tense nerves as they continued off each other, speaking in succession.

"While you are performing above the minimal standard for students and Cadets, we believe this is below the expectations we had placed upon the start of the school year."

The sound of rustling papers came about as the representative handed a small stack of transcripts to VIrtanen. "These are your records. Grades, extracurriculars, licensing in vehicles, and even your performance in Senshado matches have been recorded. All of these as we said are acceptable. Average grades, average fitness, licensing for armored vehicles, light vehicles, and heavy machinery along with light frame aircraft. Your battle record in Senshado is praiseworthy as well with multiple feats."

"However, while these are above your junior peers and subordinates, we find it is also underperforming when compared to others."

"We believe this lack of exceptionalism may be hindering the potential of your program and the benefits that may arise from it. With this in mind we have come to theorize the possibility of a more suitable candidate may be preferable. Do you have anything to say on this matter?"

Virtanen felt his words choke him as an overwhelming pressure clouded his mind. "Y-yes. If I may ask, who? And why so suddenly? I have secured consecutive victories under my leadership and hold the faith of my team"

The faces on the monitors shifted their eyes as if looking at each other through their screens before one spoke up. "As you may know, a single figure of whom many can rally behind and place their faith in is hard to come by. Through our assessment, we have determined that is not the case with your team."

"You have received support from many of your subordinates and peers, no?"

Virtanen felt the instinctual pull to retort "Of course! Is that a crime?!" but swallowed his tongue.

"While this is preferable to ease the transferring of positions such as yours, we do have a few names in mind of who could fit the bill. Simply put, our first candidate is Adam Kaiser."

Virtanen's eyes widened a fraction, his grip loosening in disbelief as the adults continued unabated and uncaring.

The individual in question is the first on our list as he has high-scoring grades, excellent fitness, nearly every license aside from heavy air cargo transportation and, though this is unofficial, seems to hold the best-performing squad within your team.

Virtanen's mind recalled the summer when Kaiser had suggested he volunteer for the position and he surprisingly secured it. Interrupting the adults who didn't seem to mind altogether he posed a question. "What, what if he declines your offer?"

Again the adults seemed to share the same conniving glance, a gesture that was growing to irritate Virtanen.

"We have considered that very real possibility. If he refuses, which we doubt he will a second time-"

That slip of tongue sent Virtanen's mind on alert. "Second time?"

"Then we have a second and third candidate in mind." the fact that they had callously stated they had even two more replacements lined up momentarily distracted his mind from hanging onto that revelation.

"May I know who?" asked Virtanen, a tinge of despair in his voice.

"As they are your subordinates we would like to keep that confidential for now. We dont believe you would abuse your authority but we are taking necessary precautions."

"..I see," he responded.

"With the situation made clear, do you understand what we are asking?"

'Asking?' They were nearly demanding at this point. Yet Virtanen's stubborn streak was as long as Kaiser's. "If you are asking me to resign peacefully, I'm afraid I will have to decline. As you have said my efforts were not alone in achieving our success but they still aided. Therefore until I am dismissed from my duties I will continue performing them to my best."

His defiant statement garnered no looks of confidence or renewed faith, instead, they seemed to have expected his refusal. With small signs of displeasure and disappointment on their faces, they acknowledged his stance.

"Very well then. That will be all for today, Mr. Virtanen. We will notify you again regarding this situation. You may leave now."

Virtanen stood. Without a parting word, he immediately left the office, suppressing his anger. His mind began tearing into the replay of the meeting. "Benefits" his mind taunted. He felt as if he could sneer in their faces, they cared for profits and appearance. A conclusion he thought could be the only answer as it dug into his confidence like a knife.

As he opened the door he was caught by surprise. There on the other side, stood Kaiser prepared to knock. With empty eyes, Virtanen stared at his friend before darting off in silence, leaving Kaiser to look on as he was called in.

"Ah, Mr. Kaiser, you're early. Please come in."

Seeing his long-time acquaintance leave with that empty expression as opposed to his usually cheery and carefree demeanor meant that this was most likely what he expected it to be.

They immediately proved him right. Without hesitation the board members offered him the position, stating the same reasons and logic as they had with Virtanen. Keeping his demeanor he thought to himself as he tuned out their boring reasoning.

The added responsibility meant nothing to him even if there wasn't any increase to his workload. Head purposefully avoided the assignment in the first place as it seemed overly bothersome.

Taking the opportunity to speak amidst a lull in their speech, Kaiser interjected his thoughts. "I'm sure you've all heard of my past difficulties as a commander in InfanterieKampf only a couple of short years ago."

"We have" they answered instantly.

With a nonchalant and indifferent tone to match their own, Kaiser continued. Then it is clear I draw no short amount of ire when I am the head of affairs. I am not relatable to most nor kind to many." A quick glance showed that this declaration held no effect on the board members who stiffly awaited him to finish.

"Virtanen on the other hand, speaks with his subordinates. From me to the lowest cadet. He even spends time with those who are willing outside of practice if given the chance. From my personal experience, a leader is not there to perform amazing feats. He is there to utilize his team to the best of their ability."

"He may not be the best tactical commander but despite a few faults, he is a true leader of people. I believe it is my place to be that tactical advice and support him by providing opportunities for our team to shine and for his command to prevail.

There was a short pause before one of the older men responded. "Your flattery of your peer is noted and admirable but the focus for this conversation is you, young man. We and many of the spectators of this sport have been keeping anticipated watch of your escapades this season. Why it isn't far off to say that you captured the attention if not the hearts of many with your actions against Pravda. We know you prioritize efficiency like us. So again we ask you, will you take up the title of commander? For the sake of your school if not yourself?"

"Is that an implication that the fate of Transcendence may be jeopardized if I refuse?"

The man waved a hand from the monitor. "Certainly not, but funding, scholarships, the school's record will be set by this year's successes and failures. Would not prefer to take the reigns yourself rather than leave it to others?"

He would, the board knew him well. That was as obvious as the rhetorical question he posed. There was no way a multi-billion dollar schoolship would be in trouble the year after it launched. Yet with this dance of words, Kaiser intended to ensure that the adults pressuring him understood he by no means feared repercussions of even that scale.

"Then with that clarified, may I pose a suggestion?" Given a series of nods, he continued. "Rather than take control may I increase my influence and efforts in supporting him? Virtanen will still be recognized as the head leader and hold rank. I instead will have more control behind the scenes. In essence, I would be unofficially in charge."

The younger man raised a suspicious brow. "We were under the impression that was already the case."

With Virtanen's delegation and Kaiser's heavy assistance, it practically was. But a deal between one friend helping another was far different from the manipulation these adults had assumed. With poised professionalism, Kaiser bowed his head slightly. Despite my feats and record, I still abide by rank and billet."

He could practically hear Virtanen scoff at that blatant lie. Yet the board seemed to muse over this suggestion. "May we take that as your final answer? Neither yes or no?"

Kaiser nodded slightly. "Yes. My answer is no. However, I will grant this caveat. If he were to become indisposed or incapable of leading, I would assume immediate command. If I am deemed to be disposed then I will train whoever shall be my replacement with haste and care to ensure an easy transfer of power. After all, the Cadet's faith lies in Virtanen and I."

There was a short pause and seemingly deliberation as they typed messages, presumably to one another. "Very well. We will accept your suggestion for the time being."

"I understand your reluctance and thank you nonetheless. If that is all may I be dismissed? I still have duties to attend to."

"Yes go on, we have a few more student meetings to attend to. Thank you for your time."

With a dismissive wave, evidence of their minute annoyance at his refusal, he was given permission and took it with haste. As he walked down the hall, he sighed in relief. It never was easy to deal with those decrepit hardasses. Thankfully it seemed he had saved just enough to ensure both he and Virtanen were not replaced. He could only assume their next meetings were the plausible replacements for them after all.

Checking his phone for the time he saw a text that had recently gone unnoticed. It read "From Virtanen. Do you have time? I need to talk. Meet me at watchtower."

Another sigh arose from Kaiser. Virtanen was being short in his messages. A sure sign he was irate. Unfortunately, feigning ignorance and pushing this off would probably bite him later so he responded "Sure" and made his way, leisurely taking his time.

The watchtower was the same as ever, with maps, splayed around and freshly cleaned after its last use in training observation. Now in the evening, however, all radios and monitors were off with the outer shutters all closed except for one where Virtanen stood on the balcony overlooking the training grounds.

Kaiser approached silently as the door clicked behind him. Virtanen was aware of his presence but remained silent. Another sign that his friend who usually spoke first and thought second, was unusually contemplating his words.

"What did they tell you?" asked Kaiser.

"What do you think?" spat Virtanen.

Unphased by the hostility in his voice, Kaiser hummed in thought. "Not sure, that's why I asked. I can only guess by your attitude it was something negative."

A scoff came from Virtanen as he looked up from the railing at Kaiser. A mixture of envy and loathing staining his eyes. Nothing Kaiser was not used to yet from Virtanen of all people struck an unusual chord. "They told me to resign."

Kaiser had guessed as much but he remained silent as Virtanen vented his frustrations and continued, vitriol coating his words. "They told me I wasn't good enough. That you would serve better in my position. They looked down on me, dismissing everything that I did! And I had to stand there and take it. Just to ask for another chance. One they'll probably just ignore."

"They won't" answered Kaiser. A questioning glare came from his long-time friend as he explained. "I spoke with them and they said things will stay as they were."

Virtanen scowled. "What's the catch."

"Pardon?"

"What did you promise them?" Before Kaiser could cock his head in ignorance, Virtanen called out his act. "Don't pretend! You made a deal! I saw how resolute they were on being rid of me!" frustration choked his words as his eyes strained, threatening tears. "And you! You had to cover for me! Again!"

Kaiser treaded carefully, unsure just why Virtanen was acting erratically. "What do you mean?"

Virtanen threw a hand up in frustration. "They told me you gave up the position of commander once already! Now you've done it again! Am I that unworthy? That I can't even compete against you despite being alongside you for almost everything?!"

Kaiser weathered the shouts staying calm and quiet as his acquaintance gripped the railing with white knuckles. "I always figured. Just kinda knew I wasn't good enough to be here. At the top. Even with your help, they don't look at me."

"Does that matter?" asked Kaiser, earring a wild look from Virtanen. "Like I told them. Your team sees you for your efforts and hold you to your rank and responsibilities. What does a bunch of individuals three to four times our age matter? Do you think I cared when I bent the rules? When I made an IED? Or caused immense property damage?"

Bewilderment took Virtanen for a moment, the fond and exciting memories gripping him along with Kaiser's unabashed ownership of them. Yet he pressed on. "You're doing this for you. Not for them. I did refuse the position the first time and I did it again not twenty minutes ago. Not for you, for me." Virtanen seemed to be thrown for a loop as his peer continued.

"What do we work for? Not others, for our goals. Even if that goal is to help others or make them proud. I refused the position to improve myself, to help another better himself. To see what I could do to make another leader. And you? Why did you accept it? You already knew I recommended you. Was it to gain a stranger's approval?!"

The rise in his voice stunned Virtanen momentarily. Slowly, he muttered. "To make… my family proud."

Unrelenting Kaiser continued at the same pace. "And do they care? Even if you were an utter failure your mother and brother would love you! Your seeking of their praise is for yourself! So own up to that selfishness and work for it!"

Virtanen was awestruck. They had nearly come to blows before and argued hundreds of times. Even by shot by Kaiser and InfanterieKmapf ammo paled to now. All he could say in response was "You really are selfish" followed by the small tilt of a grin.

"Don't state the obvious" huffed Kaiser.

Suddenly feeling drained, Virtanen gave a despondent chuckle. Without his anger, he suddenly felt weak and unwilling to continue. What had he even intended to do causing a confrontation? His train of thought up till now eluded him as he stared at the floor.

"Hey" demanded Kaiser snapping for his attention. As Virtanen looked up from his slumped posture he looked into Kaiser's eyes. Stern and piercing as ever.

"Listen. Usurping you now is tantamount to quitting for me. I intend to see this 'project' of making you into a leader through. I won't abandon you recklessly, lest I short myself."

Virtanen's gaze narrowed slightly, discerning another reason from his longtime friend's demeanor. "Is that all?"

"Pfft" snorted Kaiser. If it'll help you feel better think of it as us being made even. You stood by me all these years despite my shenanigans. Either way, it's still for me as I won't be indebted to you."

"Is it really that awful a concept?" sniggered Virtanen.

"Mortifying to comprehend" answered Kaiser.

A short look of contemplation struck Virtanen as he slowly posed a question. "If the need suited you… would you? Abandon me that is?"

Kaiser gave a sharp sideways glance. A sudden shove followed it. "If I can make profit off of it" he shrugged.

"You're horrendous" replied Virtanen, stumbling as he shook his head.

"Guilty. Now is this all you wanted? Don't we have enough on our plates without adding emotional turmoil?" asked Kaiser rhetorically.

Virtanen raised his hands in defeat. "Don't need to remind me, I feel embarrassed enough and now ill at the thought of work."

"Then get going and sleep off those useless thoughts" suggested Kaiser.

Virtanen nodded slowly and began making his way out. It was clear he felt slight remorse at initiating this conversation add that to the overburdening of the federation watching over his shoulder right at the finals only worsened the pressure and confusion. Something Kaiser understood and empathized with all too well.

Kaiser waited a good moment before he locked the watch tower and took his leave. He was intent on leaving Virtanen to himself and pondering some of his thoughts for a moment. Amidst the hustle and bustle of teenage life and leading a team, it came as a rarity when he could sit down and unwind, and think to himself outside of his home.

Wanting to linger on campus a little longer, his feet took him to the small bleachers outside of the school track. Resting his tired back against the seats, he looked up into the sky, lost in the absence of thought.

A single question interrupted the temporary bliss. Did they have to pull this crap right before the finals? A little more thought left him guessing that they most likely felt compelled to do it now. Transcendence's success would be a sign of successful investment and rerouting of Senshado's future. Something they were all pining to be at the head of.

Yet with their interference, Kaiser weighed the possibility of exposing their intentions and meddling within his school. It wasn't rigging or unfairly helping a school, nor even anything outright ill-intending yet it would be terrible for PR and maintaining their seats. Then again threatening such people, even subtly, always held its dangers. As satisfying as it would be to ruin careers for his petty revenge, Kaiser would keep the card close to his chest. For his sake as well as his friends, it would be his ace in the hole for mutual destruction if they backed out of the deal.

The very deal he knew no one would deny after today. Pulling out his phone, Kaiser checked his messages, re-reading the words to assure himself. He held several messages that ascertained his success. The first few from a pair of famous acquaintances, Maho and Miho.

It was through these two that he was confident there would be little resistance from the Senshado board. He considered it somewhat unbecoming to ask for a favor from two new friends but was relieved when they offered their support without hesitation. After all, to them, they were just speaking to their mother. But for him, he was inadvertently asking a favor from the matriarch of a renowned family.

Judging by the positive response from Miho and the cool collected one from Maho, it seemed they had convinced their mother to speak on his behalf. He could only imagine what the stern matriarch said on his behalf and by extension Virtanen's but he certainly hoped it was positive.

He was sure it had to do with the logic of maintaining the status quo for now and perhaps that their focus should be on educating students, grooming them into proper adults. Then again he'd believe it if she simply told them to stop and they listened.

It was downright shocking when he heard that the head of the Shimada family had also pitched in to defend despite being unrelated. Officially it seemed Shiho had invited her to give her own opinion and ended up shocking the board directors. Her official reasoning matched Shiho's but it seemed she also mentioned the disrespect in denying her daughter such a tempting match-up in the season's finale.

With the added stress of knowing that Cihyo Shimada would be watching them as well, Kaiser felt the crippling pressure of being indebted not only to Maho and Miho but their mother and now someone he hadn't even met with just as much clout. It was beyond him just what they could ask of him to repay such a trivial matter in their eyes, he only hoped they would never call to collect.

Perhaps the most grating revelation within his phone was just how he received all of this insider info. It wasn't the Nishizumi sisters, his intel network, or even the two family matriarchs themselves. It was his mother.

He clenched his jaw as he reread her messages that had the slightly irritating use of emojis and flowery talk, something he felt she used to annoy him intentionally, telling him of her interference and 'delightful' talks with Shiho and her new acquaintance Chiyo Shimada.

Unfortunately, it seemed her friendly demeanor and nosiness had led to her making new friends to his chagrin. Something that had him immensely worried. Unable to do anything about the enigma that was his mother, Kaiser pocketed his phone and leaned back some more. He glanced around as the school was being dyed in hues of red, orange, and yellow from the sun.

The wide and empty track field drew his eyes as he recalled calmer memories. He remembered training in summer with Kay back on land. When he chased Virtanen across campus, the very first training drills they did outside of tanks, or when he first spoke to Natalya at the shooting range across from it.

A slight feeling of loneliness opened in the pit of his stomach. A familiar feeling he probably imposed on himself more than he should yet it felt comforting to experience again. Maybe, at times like this is when others sought the comfort of another? Did Knight with Diana? Was it what Virtanen wanted from Piper? …Was it what Natalya wanted from him?

He instinctually almost scoffed at the idea of him intimately comforting another, as if it was a bad joke. It seemed too foreign for him. With his mindset, he felt it was as if he had forgotten how to. He leaned over himself and stared between his legs at his gloved hands. With his head lowered he shook it with a snicker. He really was tired if he was thinking like this.

Unexpectedly the sound of a camera shutter went off. Snapping his head up with a sharp glare, he saw Anna meekly clasp her phone to her chest in surprise. Seeing him slowly raising one eyebrow in disapproval, she waved her hands defensively, assuring him no other eyes would see it.

"It's in poor taste to take a pic without consent" he chastised.

Anna adjusted her glasses and ran her fingers through her short blonde hair as she approached to take a seat. "I couldn't help it, it just seemed too perfect a moment to miss."

"A man struck down with exhaustion?" he asked.

"Someone trying his best casting a scenic image alone with a sunset behind him" she corrected with a raised finger.

Kaiser rolled his head back to see the very sunset she spoke of. With his glare gone and tired eyes, he asked her a question. "Why are you still here?"

She huffed briefly. "Do you not remember asking me and my crew to run extra articles with the newspaper club?"

The blank expression on his face showed he hadn't. "Oh."

Anna rolled her blue eyes as she enjoyed the silence enveloping them with him. Kaiser thought over how long he had known her. Despite their previous engagements and his outright threat to join the team or else, she still worked her hardest even as battle prowess eluded her. It almost made him want to solely work with her and make a pristine combatant out of her. Yet that would have to wait till next season, or perhaps there'd be an opportunity later this year in another tournament, they were both juniors after all.

He stared at her for a moment, something she had elected to ignore as it was embarrassing until he dropped an unexpected bomb. " You're a good friend. I'm happy I met you."

Her head darted to the side to see his placid expression, making her question if she was mentally unwell and hearing things. Happy at the confirmation of a mutual relationship, she was startled and unsure of how to respond. "T-thanks… you too." at a loss for how to follow up, she reached for her phone. "Wanna see the picture?"

"Sure" he shrugged.

On the screen, he saw his figure sitting with his face not visible and cast downwards as the sky cast bright hues behind the darkening bleachers. She was right, "it is a good pic" he complimented.

"I know" she beamed as she began scrolling and showing some of her prized snaps.

-Chapter End-